(A) As used in this section, “felony” has the same meaning as in section 109.511 of the Revised Code.

Terms Used In Ohio Code 1501.25

  • Acquittal:
    1. Judgement that a criminal defendant has not been proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
    2. A verdict of "not guilty."
     
  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Dismissal: The dropping of a case by the judge without further consideration or hearing. Source:
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Person: includes an individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, and association. See Ohio Code 1.59
  • Plea agreement: An arrangement between the prosecutor, the defense attorney, and the defendant in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for special considerations. Source:
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

(B)(1) The director of natural resources shall not appoint a person as a natural resources officer under section 1501.24 of the Revised Code on a permanent or temporary basis or for a probationary term if the person previously has been convicted of or has pleaded guilty to a felony.

(2)(a) The director shall terminate the employment of a natural resources officer if the officer does either of the following:

(i) Pleads guilty to a felony;

(ii) Pleads guilty to a misdemeanor pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement as provided in division (D) of section 2929.43 of the Revised Code in which the officer agrees to surrender the certificate awarded to the officer under section 109.77 of the Revised Code.

(b) The director shall suspend a natural resources officer from employment if that person is convicted, after trial, of a felony. If the natural resources officer files an appeal from that conviction and the conviction is upheld by the highest court to which the appeal is taken or if the officer does not file a timely appeal, the director shall terminate the employment of that officer. If the officer files an appeal that results in the officer’s acquittal of the felony or conviction of a misdemeanor, or in the dismissal of the felony charge against the officer, the director shall reinstate that officer. A natural resources officer who is reinstated under division (B)(2)(b) of this section shall not receive any back pay unless that officer’s conviction of the felony was reversed or dismissed on appeal because the court found insufficient evidence to convict the officer of the felony.

(3) Division (B) of this section does not apply regarding an offense that was committed prior to January 1, 1997.

(4) The director shall suspend or terminate the employment of a natural resources officer under division (B)(2) of this section in accordance with Chapter 119 of the Revised Code.